Chief Justice Yormie Gbeisay has strongly defended the recent appointment of his son as an Associate Magistrate, rejecting criticisms from trial judges as unfounded and legally baseless.
Speaking at a gathering of judges in Lofa County, Chief Justice Gbeisay stood by both the process and his son’s qualifications, stressing that his son is a Liberian citizen and a current student at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
“There is no law that prohibits the President from appointing an Associate Magistrate who is not yet a lawyer,” Gbeisay stated, challenging his critics to cite any legal provision to the contrary.
While acknowledging that he recommended his son for the position, Gbeisay emphasized that the final decision was made by the President.
“If the President considered him qualified and made the appointment, I see no issue with that,” he said.
He further argued that appointing law students to such positions has precedent in Liberia.
“My son is of legal age and has a right to work,” Gbeisay asserted.
The Chief Justice also took aim at what he described as double standards, pointing out that several trial judges have family members serving in government.
“If your husband, brother-in-law, or others can serve, then why is it wrong for my son to do the same?” he questioned.
Expressing disappointment in how the matter was handled, Gbeisay said concerns should have been raised directly with him instead of being made public.
“The head of the trial judges knows me well—you should have approached me privately,” he said.
He cautioned against hypocrisy within the judiciary, invoking the adage: “If you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones.”
Gbeisay went on to declare that he would resign if shown any law prohibiting the President from appointing a non-lawyer as an Associate Magistrate. “Bring me the law, and I’ll step down,” he declared.
The controversy has sparked broader debate across judicial circles, raising concerns about merit, transparency, and political influence in judicial appointments.
